A WORD A DAY.
ECCENTRIC. We usually think of one as eccentric who is odd, peculiar in manner or character. It is interesting to know that this adjective which may be applied to both persons and things is an adaptation from the science of geometry, typifying the tendency to depart from the center. The Greek (ek) from, and (kentron) centre, clearly show in combination that that which is eccentric deviates from the true course, flies away from the prescribed order of things, Geometrically, it is opposed to concentric, having a common center. Figuratively, as most frequently used, it indicates divergence from the beaten track or from the centered round of customary thinkings and actings. While we admire individuality we look askance at that which seems erratic, too different from established laws or forms to be comfortable. Few people care to break conventionalities to the extent -of being thought eccentric, odd, abnormal. The second syllable is accented, ec-cen-tric. The first c sounds like k, the second like s, and the final one like k. Sound the first and second e as in end, i as in tick. “When men are more remarkable for the things in which they differ from their fellow men than for those in which they agree with them,'they are eccentric.’ - ’
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Bibliographic details
Southland Times, Issue 21191, 18 September 1930, Page 8
Word Count
213A WORD A DAY. Southland Times, Issue 21191, 18 September 1930, Page 8
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